- Merck (NYSE:MRK) exercises its option to license monoclonal antibody NGM313 from NGM Biopharmaceuticals for the potential treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). The companies have been collaborating since 2015.
- Merck will have exclusive global rights to develop, manufacture and commercialize the candidate, renamed MK-3655. NGM will receive a $20M upfront, milestones and tiered low double-digit-to-mid-teen royalties on net sales. NGM retains an option, in effect when MRK launches its first Phase 3 study, to participate in up to half of global cost and revenue.
- MRK plans to initiate a Phase 2b trial in NASH patients with or without diabetes.
- NGM313 is an agonist of the β-Klotho/FGFR1c receptor complex which plays a key role in obesity, plasma insulin, triglycerides and glucose levels. It has the potential as a once-per-month injectable insulin sensitizer.
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